By Ambrose Okwanga I June 28th 2026
The Government of Uganda has announced an emergency evacuation of its nationals from South Africa following months of escalating anti-migrant violence and xenophobic attacks.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Haruna Kyeyune Kasolo said President Yoweri Museveni had directed the immediate evacuation of Ugandans facing security threats.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, working with the Office of the Prime Minister, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Ministry of Works and Transport, the Uganda High Commission in South Africa, and leaders of the Ugandan community, is finalizing the evacuation plan, which is expected to begin within the next few days” Kasolo said.
According to Kasolo, 746 Ugandans have so far voluntarily registered for evacuation, with more expected to sign up.
Officials also noted that many Ugandans have already fled South Africa on their own after reports that vigilante groups issued a 30th June 2026 deadline for foreign nationals to leave.
The evacuation will involve registering affected Ugandans across South Africa, transporting them to designated assembly centres, issuing emergency travel documents where necessary, and coordinating with immigration authorities to facilitate their departure.
The government said Uganda Airlines will operate special charter flights for the evacuation, with all costs to be met by the Government of Uganda.
The ministry also confirmed that one Ugandan was killed in an attack in KwaZulu-Natal Province. Authorities said arrangements are underway to repatriate the deceased’s body to Uganda.
Uganda says it will continue engaging the South African government to ensure the safety and security of Ugandan nationals who remain in the country.
Uganda’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Paul Amoru, said his office is working around the clock to ensure that all Ugandan nationals affected by the ongoing insecurity are safely evacuated back home.
He also confirmed that a Ugandan national identified as Niwamanya Wilbert was killed in the KwaZulu-Natal province after reportedly being attacked by South African nationals in the community where he lived.
“Arrangements are underway to repatriate the deceased’s body to Uganda, while investigations and legal proceedings against those responsible for his death are ongoing” Amoru added.